** Listed units of China/Asia-focused funds run by Fidelity, JPMorgan, Blackrock among others lead losses on UK mid- and small-cap indexes ** Earlier Chinese onshore markets fell sharply bringing losses on key benchmarks to over 20 pct over 2 wks as unwinding of margin positions sent stocks
Read moreMid-caps inched higher on Wednesday, led by gains across mining, oil and transport stocks. As of 15:30 BST, the FTSE 250 was trading 0.7% higher at 17,966. Transport operator FirstGroup saw annual profits rise in 2014, as its improvement plan delivered higher margins in its US and UK bus divisions.
Read moreAl Noor Hospitals Group led the fallers as Numis Securities cut its rating from 'add' to 'hold', arguing that the consensus for the company's margins is too high. Energy stocks Hunting, Lonmin, Nostrum Oil & Gas and Infinis Energy were in the red as oil prices lost gains made in the wake of politica
Read moreTakeover target Afren was weaker as the deadline for suitor Seplat to return to the table with a possible offer was extended. The Nigerian group approached its FTSE 250 peer last month about a potential tie-up and has until 17:00 on Friday 30 January to 'put up or shut up', according to takeover rul
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